A THIRD awareness day is to be held as part of a major campaign aiming to cut the risk of dog attacks.

Dog owners will be offered advice on looking after their pets and practical help such as free micro-chipping at the event at Higher Fold Community Centre in Leigh on April 27 from 12pm until 4pm.

The awareness day is part of Jade’s Campaign which was launched after 14-year-old Jade Lomas-Anderson from Hag Fold in Atherton was mauled to death in March 2013 by a pack of dogs.

Chief executive of Wigan Council Donna Hall said: “The message we want people to understand is that if a dog isn’t cared for properly they can potentially become dangerous.

“A quarter of a million people were attacked by dogs last year. We think this could be significantly reduced if people took better care of their dogs.

“That means making sure they get plenty of exercise and food, are kept in an appropriate environment and have clear behaviour boundaries.”

The campaign, launched to encourage owners to be responsible and control their dog’s behaviour, is backed by Jade’s family and run by Wigan Council, Wigan and Leigh Housing, Greater Manchester Police and dog welfare charity Blue Cross.

Ms Hall said: “Some owners might have difficulty controlling their pet. We want to help them by offering advice and support in the hope this will stop problems arising.

“We’re also hoping to encourage people to come forward if they think an owner is mistreating a dog or a dog is becoming dangerous.

“We are committed to working with Jade’s family to raise awareness of this issue and to do all we can to encourage people to take care of their dogs responsibly.”

Since Jade’s death, her mum Shirley Anderson and step-dad Michael have also led a high-profile campaign calling for tougher sentences for owners whose dogs attack people.